Co-codamol 8/500mg tablets are a combination painkiller containing paracetamol and codeine. Paracetamol works by blocking chemical messengers in the brain that tell us we have pain. Codeine belongs to a group of medicines called opioid analgesics which act on the brain and spinal cord to reduce the amount of pain you feel. This medication is used to relieve short-term pain where paracetamol alone is not sufficient. It is important that before starting treatment using Co-Codamol you read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly.